Skin Deep

Exhibits: "Race: Are We So Different?" opens at ECHO

The question posed in ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center's "Race: Are We So Different?" exhibit isn't easily answered. But that's not for lack of trying. The eye-opening traveling show has inspired lots of interactive programming at the museum. The Saturday Community Conversation Series — which drew more than 800 visitors on a single day in November — is back on January 12 with $2 admission, a discussion of diversity in Vermont and a family-friendly performance by African hip-hop trio A2VT (pictured). And every Friday at 11 a.m., preschoolers are invited to a special "Let's Talk About Race" story hour. Presented in collaboration with Reading to End Racism, the themed sessions prompt youngsters to embrace their differences. It's a particularly timely lesson as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day approaches on January 21. Visit ECHO that day to take part in service and stewardship opportunities, as well as see a short musical production by Edmunds Elementary School students. The theme? "I have a dream..."

"Race: Are We So Different?":
Open through January 27. Info, 864-1848, echovermont.org.